TL;DR
BatChat (蝙蝠聊天) is a China-based encrypted messaging app that ships with end-to-end encryption, OS-level screenshot blocking, preset secret codes, and disappearing messages by default. Getting started takes about 5 minutes: download the app from batchat.com, verify your phone number, set a display name, add the unlock password, and start chatting. The interface follows standard messenger conventions, so anyone who has used WeChat or WhatsApp will feel at home. The standout features — screenshot protection, preset password (预设密信), and the BatChat avatar system (蝙蝠形象) — are accessible from the chat toolbar or conversation settings.
What Is BatChat and What Makes It Different?
BatChat is developed by Chengdu Feifu Technology (成都飞蝠科技有限公司), headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan. The company registered the app under ICP record 蜀ICP备19040194号 and the latest version is v3.4.5.
Unlike mainstream Chinese messengers like WeChat, BatChat encrypts all messages client-side before they ever touch the server. According to the official website, messages and files are “security-protected on your device before sending” (消息、文件在您设备上安全防护后再发送). The server acts as a relay only — BatChat claims zero server data storage (服务器零数据存储).
The practical differences a new user notices immediately:
- Screenshot blocking works out of the box on every chat. You can’t take a screenshot or screen recording inside any conversation — the system blocks it at the OS level.
- Unlock password (解锁密码) gates the entire app behind face recognition, fingerprint, or a numeric PIN, separate from your device lock.
- Preset secret codes (预设密信) let you password-protect individual conversations with a custom phrase.
- BatChat avatar (蝙蝠形象) is a 3D character system where you customize a virtual avatar with face shape, clothing, actions, and voice — from cyberpunk to traditional Chinese styles.
Available platforms: Android (requires 8.0+), iOS, Windows PC, macOS, and web browser (batchat.com web版). The Android APK is around 68 MB.
How to Download and Install BatChat
Android
- Open your phone browser and go to batchat.com
- Tap the Android下载 button on the homepage
- After the APK downloads, open it to begin installation
- If Android prompts “Install blocked,” go to Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps and allow your browser
- Tap Install and wait 10-30 seconds
The official site is the only recommended download source. BatChat is not on Google Play Store in most regions. Do not download APKs from random forums or Telegram groups — modified builds of encrypted messaging apps are a known attack vector.
iOS
- Open the App Store
- Search for “蝙蝠聊天” or “BatChat”
- Download and install
BatChat has been available on the iOS App Store and passed Apple’s review process.
PC and Mac
Desktop versions are available from the official website. The site links to separate download pages for PC版 and Mac版.
Web Version
A web client (网页版) is accessible directly from batchat.com for browser-based chatting without installing anything.
Step-by-Step Registration
Phone Number Verification
When you first open BatChat, the registration screen asks for your phone number with a country code selector. The flow:
- Select your country code (China default is +86)
- Enter your phone number
- Tap “Get verification code” (获取验证码)
- Wait for the SMS containing a 6-digit code
- Enter the code within the validity window
The verification code typically arrives within 30 seconds but can take up to 2 minutes depending on carrier traffic. If it doesn’t arrive, tap the resend button after the cooldown period.
Setting Your Display Name
After verification, BatChat prompts you to set a display name. This is the name other users see — it does not need to be your real name. You can change it later from your profile settings.
At this stage you can also:
- Set a profile avatar (choose from your gallery or take a photo)
- Write a brief bio/status
Enabling the Unlock Password
BatChat strongly recommends enabling the unlock password (解锁密码) during initial setup. This adds an app-level lock:
- Face recognition — supported on devices with biometric hardware
- Fingerprint — uses your device’s fingerprint scanner
- Numeric PIN — a fallback for devices without biometric sensors
This is separate from your phone’s screen lock. Even if someone bypasses your device lock, they still need to pass BatChat’s unlock to read your messages.
To enable it later: go to Settings > Privacy > Unlock Password (设置 > 隐私 > 解锁密码).
Understanding the Interface
The main screen layout follows the messenger convention most users are familiar with:
- Chat list — the primary screen showing all conversations, sorted by most recent
- Bottom navigation bar — tabs for Messages (消息), Contacts (通讯录), Discover (发现), and Profile (我的)
- Top right corner — a plus icon (+) for starting new chats or creating groups
- Swipe actions — swipe left on a conversation to mute, pin, or delete it
The design philosophy from the official site: “全新新颖交互设计，操作流畅更易懂” (brand-new interaction design, smooth and easy to understand). The interface prioritizes simplicity over feature density.
Chat Screen
Inside a conversation, the toolbar includes:
- Text input field — with emoji and sticker support
- Voice message button — hold to record, release to send
- Plus (+) icon — opens a menu for photos, videos, files, location, watermarked camera, and voice/video calls
- BatChat avatar — if enabled, your 3D avatar appears in certain chat scenarios
How to Send Your First Message
Adding Your First Contact
Before you can chat, you need to add at least one contact. There are several methods (detailed in our BatChat add friends guide), but the quickest for a new user:
- Tap the + icon on the top right of the chat list
- Select Add by phone number (手机号添加)
- Enter the other person’s BatChat-registered number
- Tap Search
- Tap Add when their profile appears
The other person receives a friend request and must accept before you can start chatting.
Starting a Chat
Once the contact accepts your request, their name appears in your chat list. Tap it to open the conversation and start typing. Messages are encrypted automatically — there’s no toggle to enable or disable encryption.
What You Can Send
BatChat supports the following message types:
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Text | Standard text messages with emoji support |
| Images/Video | Select from gallery or capture with camera |
| Voice messages | Hold the microphone button to record |
| Files | Any file type with size limits |
| Location | Share your current GPS location |
| Voice/Video calls | Real-time audio and video calling |
| Watermarked camera | Photos with embedded watermark showing time and location |
Creating and Managing Group Chats
Creating a Group
- Tap the + icon on the top right
- Select Create Group (创建群聊)
- Select contacts to add as members
- Set a group name
- Optionally set a group avatar
Group chats use the same encryption as private conversations. According to the official site, group chats “采用蝙蝠安全防护的形式进行保护” (use BatChat’s security protection format).
Group Features
- Member protection (群成员保护) — restricts what group members can do
- Voting (投票) — built-in poll creation within groups
- Admin controls — group admins can manage members and settings
Settings and Privacy Configuration
Key Settings to Review
After getting comfortable with the basics, review these settings in Profile (我的) > Settings (设置):
- Unlock Password (解锁密码) — enable if you skipped it during setup
- Preset Secret Messages (预设密信) — password-protect specific conversations
- Notification settings — control which conversations push notifications
- Chat background — customize the chat wallpaper
- Language — switch between Chinese and other supported languages
- Storage management — clear cached media and files
Account Security Tips
- Enable the unlock password immediately. This is the single most impactful security setting.
- Review notification content. Decide whether message previews appear on your lock screen.
- Keep the app updated. New versions often include security fixes. The current version is v3.4.5.
- Use the official download source only. APKs from unofficial sources may be modified.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cannot Receive Verification Code
- Double-check your phone number and country code
- Ensure you have cellular signal or can receive SMS
- Try resending after the cooldown period
- Contact BatChat support at support@batchat.com if the issue persists
App Crashes on Startup
- Ensure you’re running Android 8.0+ or the minimum iOS version
- Clear the app cache: Settings > Apps > BatChat > Storage > Clear Cache
- Reinstall the app (your account and messages sync from the server after re-login)
Notifications Not Working
- Check Settings > Apps > BatChat > Notifications — ensure they’re enabled
- On Android, allow BatChat to run in the background (some battery optimization settings kill background processes)
- Check Do Not Disturb mode on your device
Screenshot Protection Seems Broken
If you can somehow take screenshots in chat (which shouldn’t be possible with BatChat’s OS-level blocking):
- Make sure you have the latest version of the app
- On rooted/jailbroken devices, OS-level protections can be bypassed — this is expected
- The protection does not prevent photographing the screen with another camera
BatChat vs. WeChat: What’s Different for a Beginner?
For users switching from WeChat, the main differences:
| Feature | BatChat | |
|---|---|---|
| Default encryption | No | Yes (E2E) |
| Server message storage | Yes (cloud sync) | Claims zero storage |
| Screenshot blocking | No | Yes (OS-level) |
| Payment integration | Yes (WeChat Pay) | No |
| Mini programs | Yes | No |
| Moments/social feed | Yes | No (limited space feature) |
| Official accounts | Yes | No |
| App lock built-in | No | Yes (解锁密码) |
| Preset conversation passwords | No | Yes (预设密信) |
BatChat is a focused messaging app, not a super-app. It doesn’t try to be WeChat. The trade-off: you lose payments, mini programs, and social features, but gain privacy defaults that WeChat has never offered.
FAQ
Is BatChat free to use?
Yes. The official website states “完全免费” (completely free). There are no subscription fees, premium tiers, or in-app purchases mentioned in the app or on the website.
Can I use BatChat without a phone number?
No. Phone number verification is required during registration. This is standard for Chinese messaging apps and serves as the primary account identifier.
Does BatChat work outside China?
Yes. You can register with an international phone number and use BatChat from any country with internet access. The app is available on iOS App Store globally and the APK can be downloaded from batchat.com.
Can I transfer my chats to a new phone?
Since BatChat claims zero server storage, chat history is stored locally on your device. There is no documented chat transfer feature. Moving to a new phone means starting with a clean chat history.
How do I delete my BatChat account?
Contact BatChat support at support@batchat.com for account deletion. There is no self-service account deletion option visible in the app settings. Be aware that since chat data is claimed to be stored only locally, deleting the app does not automatically delete your account registration.
What happens if I forget my unlock password?
If you set a numeric PIN and forget it, you can reset it by verifying your phone number again. The exact reset flow depends on whether you linked biometric authentication as a fallback.